February 14, 2025

Gqoboka: My family was the reason for my move to Stormers

CAPE TOWN – Stormers prop Lizo Gqoboka says family played a huge role in him moving to Cape Town after leaving the Bulls.

The 34-year-old Springbok loosehead prop joined the Cape based side Stormers ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The Tabankulu-born says joining the Stormers was an easy decision to make after speaking to the Stormers head coach John Dobson.

With his family already in Cape Town, Gqoboka didn’t hesitate to block other offers but head to the Mother City.

“Dobbo [John Dobson] is intentional in making the team environment a very welcoming one, that opens the heart to everyone,” said Gqoboka.

“I had several offers that came to my door but after speaking to him, Cape Town was the next home for me. Seeing the players, the style of play – all those things sold me and the kind of a coach he is – that motivated me to join the side.

“You can see the team purpose and the team goal, how they do their business as one – united, in my conversation with him and speaking to my family, we all agreed it was the right decision.”

Currently sidelined for an ankle injury he suffered against Edinburgh in March, Gqoboka made his Springbok debut in 2019 where he has made only two caps.

He says he hasn’t shut the door for representing his country again.

“That is a day-to-day basis kind of a thing, the process is in your hands to determine what you are doing about it – to make sure you achieve your goal,” he said.

“One needs to work hard and needs to have strong self-discipline. You need to analyse your game and the teams you are playing with – better yourself, and how you eat, what you eat and do your business off the field as well.

“To be honest everything is in your hands, your attitude should be in the right place, do something that works toward achieving your dream.”

“I hope that I can still don the national team jersey and represent my country.”

Gqoboka added that by advising a young child who wants to see themselves in his shoes one day.

“You have to trust yourself and never give up on your dream,” he adds

“At the age of 17, I worked at the funeral parlour but look where I am now – I’ve never been to fancy schools, I am a child from a village in the rural areas. Anything is possible, you just need to believe in your dreams and never give up.”

 

Image: lizogqoboka/IG.

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